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Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat Trout

Oregon hosts four distinct subspecies of cutthroat trout, each with unique characteristics. These fish are opportunistic predators that are aggressive and respond well to diverse presentations.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Coastal cutthroat trout are the most common variety, typically blue/green on top with red lateral lines, white bellies, and the distinctive red-orange throat slashes.
  • Lahontan cutthroat can exceed 20 inches at locations like Mann Lake.
  • Sea-run cutthroat grow up to an inch per month while feeding in marine environments.
  • Westslope cutthroat are distinguished by their spot pattern with most black spots concentrated on the rear portion.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Coastal cutthroat trout inhabit streams and beaver ponds in coastal drainages and are also stocked in high mountain lakes.
  • Lahontan cutthroat are found in the Whitehorse and Willow creek basins in far southeastern Oregon near the Nevada border.
  • Sea-run cutthroat migrate between freshwater and saltwater estuaries.
  • Westslope cutthroat are limited to the John Day Basin.
  • The Coyote Lake basin holds about 39,500 native Lahontan cutthroat distributed across 56 km of stream habitat.

Key Locations

  • Productive locations include the Nestucca at Pacific City during high tide, Trask tidewater before June 20th, tidal sections of coastal rivers, and high mountain lakes stocked with coastal cutthroat.
  • Upper Wilson and Trask rivers for Copper Johns in deep pools.
  • Whitehorse and Willow creek basins in far southeastern Oregon near the Nevada border.
  • Mann Lake.
  • John Day Basin for Westslope cutthroat.
  • Coyote Lake basin.

Specific Spots

  • Target structural cover including log jams, root wads, cut banks, and undercut banks where cutthroat ambush prey.
  • In cold water, focus on deep pools with moderate current; in warm conditions, target choppy, oxygenated water.

Cutthroat Trout FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Cutthroat Trout in Oregon?

For lures, 1/8 to 1/4 ounce spoons and size #2-#3 spinners are highly effective, with color being less critical than presentation. Single salmon e.g.gs (real or imitation) work exceptionally well during salmon spawning seasons.

What flies work for Cutthroat Trout in Oregon?

For flies, use bead head prince nymphs, pheasant tail nymphs, hare's ear nymphs, or woolly buggers in sizes 12-14, plus dry flies like Renegades when matching hatches. Copper Johns work exceptionally well in deep pools on the upper Wilson and Trask rivers.

When is the best time to fish for Cutthroat Trout in Oregon?

Cutthroat trout fishing peaks from May 22 through October 31 in most western Oregon streams, with late summer being prime time for sea-run cutthroat returning from estuaries. Spring and fall provide the best action overall.

How do you catch Cutthroat Trout in Oregon?

Target structural cover including log jams, root wads, cut banks, and undercut banks where cutthroat ambush prey. In cold water, focus on deep pools with moderate current; in warm conditions, target choppy, oxygenated water.

What do Cutthroat Trout eat?

These fish are opportunistic predators with diverse diets including aquatic and terrestrial insects, small fish, salmon e.g.gs, crayfish, and invertebrate drift. Larger specimens, particularly Lahontans and sea-runs, become increasingly piscivorous.

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